RUMFORD — Voters on Tuesday approved an $8.1 million municipal budget for 2016-17, an increase of $409,533.

Town Manager John Madigan said some of the increase is for three new plow trucks that will cost more than $150,000 apiece.

Public Works Director Andy Russell said he’s looking to replace plow trucks from 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Public Works, the largest budgeted department, has an increase of $125,139, with a third of it for summer and winter road accounts.

For the Police Department budget, which is up $38,915 to $817,691, Chief Stacy Carter said he wants to reinstate the administration officer for 25 hours over five days per week with no benefits. The reason is an increase in calls.

The officer would primarily handle paperwork to get officers on the street more, and serve the public who come to the department. 

Carter said there were 690 more calls for service in 2015, for a total of 5,230. The number of class so far is 101 over last year at this time.

Fire Chief Bob Chase said his budget, up $30,975 to $703,751, includes money for more shifts.

The municipal budget also includes a 1.5 percent salary hike across the board.

In elections, Linda French received 23 votes for a three-year term on the Board of Assessors.

Finance Committee member Rick Greene was re-elected for three years with 182 votes, and Gina Hinckley received 72 write-in votes.

Frank DiConzo received 36 write-in votes for a three-year term on the Regional School Unit 10 board of directors.

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